Limited Series

The premiere episode of “Black Sails'” final season, titled “XXIX,” has been submitted as Starz’s paid entry on the TV academy’s FYC website, Gold Derby has learned exclusively. While the Emmy site is updated frequently, as of this writing “Black Sails” is one of only a handful of Best Drama Series contenders with episodes available for voters to watch on their laptops, tablets and phones. This episode may not necessarily be Starz’s official Emmy submission following the nominations, but the premium network feels confident enough to present it to voters to begin the awards conversation.

Starz’s expensive prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson‘s novel “Treasure Island” pirated up millions of passionate fans, who are still in mourning over the departure of their favorite show. Will the Emmys honor “Black Sails” with a goodbye hug for its fourth and final season? Over the course of its first three years, the period piece was nominated for eight Emmy Awards and won a trio of trophies: Best Supporting Visual Effects in 2014, and Best Sound Editing in both 2014 and 2016.

Critics were pleased with the final exploits of feared pirate Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) in the show’s farewell season. Mark A. Perigard (Boston Herald) wrote, “In this, the last 10 episodes, the drama detonates long-standing alliances and brings to the fore grudges with lethal consequences.” And Rob Lowman (Los Angeles Daily News) noted, “There are enough pieces in place that should make final season of ‘Black Sails’ a shiver-me-timbers fun ride.”

Below, see a detailed look at Starz’s Emmy FYC entry for “Black Sails.”

#4.01 “XXIS”
Airdate: January 29, 2017
Written by: Jonathan E. Steinberg & Robert Levine
Directed by: Lukas Ettlin
Emmy FYC synopsis: The invasion of Nassau meets with catastrophe. Teach and Rackham seek revenge for the death of Charles Vane. Eleanor adjusts to her new role.

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